Operations Manager

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group is seeking a Seasonal Operations Manager for Winchester Mystery House during Festival Freight Nights. You will lead all on-site operations, manage multiple departments, and ensure smooth guest movement from build to strike.

You will recruit and schedule staff, implement SOPs, and coordinate with vendors to maintain safety, cleanliness, and high-quality guest experiences. Evening, weekend, and holiday coverage is required throughout the season.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in live events, theme parks, venues, or high-volume guest operations; at least 1 year in a supervisory role preferred.
• Demonstrated success coordinating multiple departments in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Experience with staff scheduling platforms, timekeeping systems, and basic event safety protocols.
• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate indoor/outdoor event spaces for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Serve as direct supervisor for all operational departments: parking, ticketing, retail, custodial, guest services, staff, and security.
• Develop, implement, and refine SOPs for all event areas with the GM.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and scheduling of operations staff for nightly coverage.
• Approve labor, maintain accurate timekeeping and payroll alignment.
• Lead nightly pre-show briefings with leads to communicate priorities and updates.
• Be the on-site point of contact for operational vendors during build, show, and strike.
• Oversee build/strike of event infrastructure with leads and vendors.
• Ensure all stations are staffed, stocked, and show-ready before guest arrival.
• Implement crowd control, queue management, and emergency access workflows.
• Monitor guest flow in real time and adjust staffing as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Staff scheduling

Operations management

Communication

Safety protocols

Tools

Timekeeping systems

Scheduling platforms

Job description

Operations Manager - Seasonal - Winchester Mystery House - Festival Frieght Nights

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group is the nation's leading creator of immersive, story-driven entertainment—and proudly the world's largest operator of Halloween attractions. With eighteen markets spanning Florida to California and millions of guests thrilled each year, we do more than produce events. We redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Denver and powered by a team of fearless creators, we've built a culture where curiosity, collaboration, and a relentless drive to go beyond expectations are the standard-not the exception.

What You'll Do

As our Seasonal Operations Manager, you'll be the boots-on-the-ground leader who keeps departments aligned, guest movement efficient, and nightly operations running smoothly from first build to final strike.

Operational Leadership

• Serve as direct supervisor for all operational departments, including parking, ticketing, retail, custodial, guest services, general event staff, and security.
• Partner with the General Manager to develop, implement, and continuously refine SOPs for all areas of the event.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and scheduling of operations staff to ensure strong nightly coverage.
• Approve operational staff timecards and maintain accurate labor tracking.
• Lead nightly pre-show briefings with department leads to communicate priorities, updates, and expectations.
• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for operational vendors during build, show, and strike.

Event Preparation & Execution

• Oversee build and strike of event infrastructure in coordination with department leads and external vendors.
• Ensure all stations are fully staffed, stocked, and show-ready before guest arrival.
• Implement and enforce operational workflows for crowd control, queue management, and emergency access.
• Monitor guest flow in real time throughout the night, proactively addressing congestion, signage gaps, and staffing needs.
• Conduct quality control walkthroughs each show night to uphold standards for cleanliness, safety, and guest experience.

Parking & Traffic Flow Management

• Oversee all aspects of parking operations, including lot setup, traffic flow, staffing, and nightly execution.
• Develop and implement efficient vehicle ingress and egress plans to support safe, timely movement for guests, staff, and vendors.
• Partner with security and external stakeholders as needed to maintain traffic control, emergency access, and safe pedestrian pathways.
• Monitor parking capacity and arrival patterns in real time, adjusting staffing, lot usage, and directional signage to reduce congestion.
• Ensure parking team members are trained, properly positioned, and equipped to manage high-volume arrival and departure periods.
• Continuously evaluate and improve parking flow, front-gate arrival experience, and end-of-night exit efficiency.

Communication & Team Support

• Maintain ongoing communication with the General Manager regarding operational needs, staffing performance, and guest feedback.
• Partner with Guest Services to resolve guest concerns and incidents quickly and professionally.
• Maintain a visible presence across departments to support morale and enable fast problem-solving.
• Champion a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork throughout the operations team.

Logistics & Safety

• Ensure proper placement and maintenance of all directional, safety, and informational signage for clear guest navigation.
• Support the General Manager in emergency planning and enforce all safety protocols, including access control, egress pathways, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor custodial needs throughout the event and coordinate rapid response to spills, restroom issues, and trash overflow.

Qualifications

What You Bring

• 3-5 years of experience in live event, theme park, venue, or high-volume guest operations; at least 1 year in a management or supervisory role preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple departments in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience with staff scheduling platforms, timekeeping systems, and basic event safety protocols.
• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate indoor and outdoor event spaces, including uneven terrain and crowded areas, for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours throughout the season.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Salary: $28hr based on experience, paid weekly

Employment Type: Seasonal/Temporary

Expected Season Duration: ASAP through 11/15/26

Work Schedule: Evenings, weekends, and holidays required during operational season